Melanoma risk-takers: fathers and sons

Sun Protection and Tanning Behaviors in Caregivers: Prevalence, Determinants, and Associations with Children's Behaviors

The association between skin cancer and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is well established, and sun protection behavior represents an important preventative measure. In children, caregivers play a key role in this regard. The subject of this study was threefold: whether caregivers of 1 to 11 year-old children are more likely to use sun protection measures compared to non-caregivers, whether considering oneself a role model is associated with sun protection behaviors, and whether their sun protection and risk behaviors are related to children’s behaviors. We used data from the 2020 wave of the National Cancer Aid Monitoring (NCAM) comprised of 4000 individuals (including 554 caregivers of at least one child aged 1−10 years) aged 16 to 65 years and living in Germany. Data were collected through telephone interviews between October and December 2020. No significant differences between caregivers and non-caregivers regarding sun protection and risk behaviors were identified (except tanning on vacation). In both groups, sun protection behaviors were deficient. Caregivers who considered themselves role models concerning sun safety were more likely to use sun protection measures (e.g., using sunscreen on the face: OR = 5.08, p < 0.001). In addition, caregivers’ sun protection behaviors were positively associated with children’s behaviors. Caregivers being highly protected against UVR were more likely to report the use of different measures by/in the child (mean = 4.03), compared to caregivers with medium (3.41) and low (2.97, p < 0.001) protection levels. However, we also found that caregivers’ risk behavior was associated with children’s reported risk behavior. For future prevention, it might be worth focusing on the aspect of caregivers serving as role models. A comprehensive public-health strategy is needed, including key figures such as pediatricians to prevent today’s children from developing skin cancer in later life.

Results of a Primary Skin-Cancer-Prevention Campaign in Early Childhood on Sun-Related Knowledge and Attitudes in Southern Hungary

Simple Summary

Primary skin-cancer-prevention campaigns among young children are important as this is the age when individuals are developing behaviors. Our aim was to evaluate sun-protection knowledge and behavior among caregivers in daycare centers and kindergartens and to determine if educational lectures are positively influential. In daycare centers, we discovered that measures of sun protection (e.g., hat, sunscreen, and shaded areas) are more likely to be available when compared to kindergartens. Knowledge regarding sun safety has improved following our initial presentation, however, not significantly. Sun safety policies did not exist in any of the facilities, presenting an urgent need for their implementation.

Abstract

Avoidance of ultraviolet (UV) exposure in early childhood is important for reducing the lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. The goal of the present prospective, multicenter pilot study was to assess the sun-protection practices in kindergartens and daycare centers and to evaluate sun protection knowledge and behavior among caregivers employed in the surveyed facilities. The study consisted of two parts. A baseline questionnaire was completed by the caregivers in relation to knowledge regarding basic sun protection and sun protection practices of the participating facilities. Afterward, a thirty-minute presentation was hosted in reference to this topic. Six months following the presentation, a follow-up questionnaire was distributed among the caregivers, evaluating the attitude-related and behavioral changes towards children. A total of 153 caregivers from five daycare centers (children between 6 months and 3 years of age) and sixteen kindergartens (children between 3 and 7 years of age) willfully participated in our study. According to our results, the main source of information regarding sun protection originated from different types of media. We found that staying in shaded areas and the use of protective clothing were not frequent in the facilities. Following our presentation regarding skin types and sunscreen use, protective measures improved, but not significantly (p = 0.222). The majority (92.31%) of caregivers distributed the information throughout their environment and also to parents. Sun protection knowledge is necessary; however, motivation among caregivers and parents and involvement of children is also relevant. Hence, a continuous, repetitive educational program regarding sun-smart behavior is deemed essential.

Sunbed Use among 11- to 17-Year-Olds and Estimated Number of Commercial Sunbeds in England with Implications for a 'Buy-Back' Scheme

Prior to 2011 legislation prohibiting children from using commercial sunbeds, the prevalence of sunbed use in 15- to 17-year-olds in some areas in England was as high as 50%. Despite significant decreases since 2011, children today still practice indoor tanning. We estimated current sunbed use in 11- to 17-year-olds in England, the number of available commercial sunbed units, and the associated cost of a ‘buy-back’ scheme to remove commercial sunbeds under a potential future policy to ban sunbeds. We undertook a calibration approach based on published prevalence rates in English adults and other sources. Internet searches were undertaken to estimate the number of sunbed providers in Greater Manchester, then we extrapolated this to England. Estimated mean prevalence of sunbed use was 0.6% for 11- to 14-year-olds and 2.5% for 15- to 17-year-olds, equating to 62,130 children using sunbeds in England. A predicted 2958 premises and 17,865 sunbeds exist nationally and a ‘buy-back’ scheme would cost approximately GBP 21.7 million. Public health concerns remain greatest for 11- to 17-year-olds who are particularly vulnerable to developing skin cancers after high ultraviolet exposure.